Kerala Grapples with 'Brain-Eating Amoeba' as Fatalities Rise: A Public Health Alert

Kerala is once again on high alert as the highly fatal Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), commonly known as the 'brain-eating amoeba,' claims another life. The tragic death of a 15-year-old boy, Amal, from Panavally in Alappuzha, marks the second fatality from this rare infection in the state this year, sending a ripple of concern through the community and prompting urgent warnings from health authorities.

Amal's battle began with a severe fever, body pain, and persistent vomiting.

Initially admitted to Alappuzha Medical College, his condition rapidly deteriorated, necessitating his transfer to Kottayam Medical College for advanced care. Despite intense medical intervention, the aggressive nature of the amoebic infection proved overwhelming, and Amal succumbed to the disease.

This heartbreaking incident follows the death of a 5-year-old girl in Malappuram in May, highlighting the insidious threat posed by Naegleria fowleri, the microscopic amoeba responsible for PAM.

The disease, though rare, is almost always fatal, making every confirmed case a significant public health concern.

Symptoms of PAM are alarming and progress rapidly, often including high fever, excruciating headache, relentless vomiting, and in severe cases, seizures. The incubation period, typically ranging from 5 to 7 days after exposure, gives little time for effective treatment once symptoms manifest.

The amoeba thrives in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and even poorly maintained swimming pools.

Infection occurs when contaminated water, containing the amoeba, enters the human body through the nose. Crucially, it does not spread through drinking contaminated water or person-to-person contact. Once in the nasal passages, Naegleria fowleri travels up to the brain, where it causes devastating inflammation and destruction of brain tissue.

The locality of Panavally in Alappuzha district appears particularly vulnerable, as a similar death due to PAM was reported from the same area in 2023.

This recurring pattern underscores the need for localized environmental assessments and enhanced public awareness campaigns.

In response to the escalating concern, Kerala's Health Minister, Veena George, has issued a statewide advisory, urging extreme caution. She emphasized the critical importance of avoiding bathing in water bodies suspected of contamination.

Health officials have intensified surveillance efforts, conducting surveys in affected areas and collecting water samples to identify potential sources and mitigate further risks.

Prevention remains the most effective defense against this deadly amoeba. The public is advised to avoid activities that allow water to enter the nose in warm freshwater environments, especially during periods of high water temperature.

Using nose clips or holding the nose shut when participating in water sports in these environments can significantly reduce the risk. While the disease is rare, its high fatality rate necessitates vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines.